Charlotte Church has defended her recent actions after leading a pro-Palestinian chant at a charity live event, which has received criticism. The event, which took place at the Bedwas Workmen’s Hall in Caerphilly, featured Church leading a choir of 100 singers in a chant that has been deemed politically charged. The chant, “from the river to the sea”, is seen by some, including the Campaign Against Antisemitism, as calling for the destruction of the state of Israel.
However, supporters of the chant, such as the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, believe it represents “the right of all Palestinians to freedom, equality and justice”. The backlash against the chant has resulted in accusations of “anti-Jewish racism,” with the Campaign Against Antisemitism calling for the Charity Commission to investigate.
In response to the criticism, Church explained during a livestream on Instagram, “Just to clarify my intentions there, I am in no way anti-Semitic. I am fighting for the liberation of all people. I have a deep heart for all religions and all difference.” She continued by stating that the chant was calling for the peaceful coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians and not the destruction of Israel.
Church is no stranger to political activity, as she has previously spoken out against Jeremy Clarkson’s rant against Meghan Markle and has campaigned against the Conservative government for several years. She explained last summer that her decision to end her famed Late Night Pop Dungeon project was not a finale but rather a hiatus.
Church has a reputation for standing up for what she believes in, and her recent actions demonstrate this once again. However, the backlash she received shows that the political climate remains fraught with tensions, with little room for compromise or understanding between opposing sides
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